Turtle day out

These images were taken during the rainy season when the pond was overflowing with water, and this particular pond turtle was especially adorable with its yawn and apparent face cleaning.

It was part of a troop of pond turtles that seemingly gathered to enjoy the sun.  The partly submerged log was a perfect sun deck!  And it was so riveting as I watched the turtle come together one by one as if being called to gather.
     During the dry season when the water level is low, these turtles are usually no where to be seen.  It is only hope that they are deep down in the muddy water and not have been poached!